As the 2016-17 season nears, I’ll be ranking the top five power forwards as well as point guards, shooting guards, small forwards and centers.
1. Draymond Green- Golden State Warriors: Draymond Green has come a long way from his first season with the Warriors back in 2012 to the last season. Green had the best season of his entire NBA career as he set season highs in field goal percentage, three point percentage, rebounds, defensive rebounds, assist and points per game. He averaged .490 in field goal percentage, .388 in three point percentage, 9.5 rebounds per game, 7.8 defensive rebounds, and 7.4 assist per game. Many recognized his talents and as a result Green became an All-Star last season. Becoming an All-Star wasn’t easy but Green played very aggressive when Golden State needed him the most and it couldn’t be overseen. He is also one of the main reason why Golden State reached so much success over the past few seasons. Green is a guy anyone would want on their team. He brings consistency, he produces and is very vocal on and off the court.
2. Anthony Davis- New Orleans Pelicans: Anthony Davis is an all around player. When he is on top of his game he is an defensive machine. At 23 years of age, Davis averaged 24 points, and 10 rebounds for the second straight season. Davis did not receive a lot of attention last season because the Pelicans were not in the right position to compete with other teams in the Western Conference. In order for Davis to shine and get the Pelicans to reach the playoffs, they need to surround Davis with valuable pieces that will complement and enhance his playing style. After last season’s All-Star stub, Davis will have more motivation to improve with his numbers and will be named an All-Star again.
3. Blake Griffin- Los Angeles Clippers: Blake Griffin is coming of a rough season by playing a career low of 35 games due to injuries. This doesn’t change the fact that he is still one of the best power forwards in the league today. He is one of the league’s best facilitators in its no secret that many teams around the league would want him on their team roster. One of Griffin’s benefits is that he opens up the floor and takes attention off other players. This helps Chris Paul distribute the ball with ease. Over the years Chris Paul and Blake Griffin have teamed up and become a dynamic duo by leading the NBA in most assists from one teammate to another in the past five seasons.
4. Paul Millsap- Atlanta Hawks: At the age of 31, Paul Millsap is still one of the most dominant power forwards in the league. During the last three seasons, he has been named an NBA All-Star and has quietly become a resourceful power forward for the Hawks. Millsap is coming off a great season, averaging 17.1 points, nine rebounds, 3.3 assists, 1.7 blocks, 1.8 steals and shooting 47 percent from the field. Defensively he is great, he is fourth in the NBA in defensive rating, ranks fifth in total blocks and first in defensive win shares. It will be exciting to see Millsap merge his defensive talents with three time defensive player of the year, Dwight Howard this coming season.
5. LaMarcus Aldridge- San Antonio Spurs: If LaMarcus Aldridge had to be described in three words they would be: consistent, efficient and productive. For years, he was the go-to guy in Portland and with Tim Duncan’s departure it opens up the door for Aldridge to step in as the go-to guy in San Antonio. Stats wise, Aldridge’s season with the Spurs was not the best of his career but he did perform at a high level especially when his team needed him to. This is why he has been an All-Star the past five season and will remain to be one of the top power forwards in the league.
Honorable mentions: Dirk Nowitzki, Kristaps Porzingis, Kevin Love, Serge Ibaka, Derrick Favors, Thaddeus Young, Aaron Gordon
